The “Permission to Engage in Activities Other Than Those Permitted under the Status of Residence” allows limited employment beyond the scope of one’s current status.
International students who wish to take part‑time jobs, or professionals with statuses such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services who wish to pursue side work, must obtain this permission.
Still, it does not grant unlimited freedom to work; restrictions on hours and industries apply. Because the application form requires a legal representative’s signature, cooperation from schools, sponsors, or employers may be necessary depending on the applicant’s situation.
●When Holders of “Dependent” Residence Status Obtain Permission to Engage in Activities Outside Their Status
If you obtain Permission to Engage in Activities Outside the Scope of Residence Status, you may work part‑time or in temporary jobs up to 28 hours per week.
Even if you have multiple jobs, the total must not exceed 28 hours per week—it is not 28 hours per company.
Work at establishments such as snack bars, pubs, cabarets, or game centers is prohibited. Likewise, behind‑the‑scenes roles, cleaning, and clerical jobs are not permitted.
Even with this permission, working more than 28 hours per week is considered unauthorized employment. If a family member engages in unauthorized work, it may also affect the residence status of the sponsor.
●When Holders of “Student” Residence Status Obtain Permission to Engage in Activities Outside Their Status
With permission to engage in activities outside your residence status, you can take part‑time or temporary jobs up to 28 hours weekly.
Students may work up to 40 hours per week during extended holidays like summer vacation. Jobs in nightlife venues or game centers, as well as backstage, cleaning, or clerical positions, are not allowed.
●When Holders of the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” Residence Status Obtain Permission to Engage in Activities Outside Their Status
Work in fields regarded as unskilled labor, like restaurants or factory line tasks, is not permitted.
For clerical work outside your main profession, permission is granted only for a specified workplace. If the side job is the same as your main role, such as interpreting, permission is not required
◆When Do You Need Permission for Activities Outside Your Visa Status?
There are rules about what activities you can do depending on your residence status.
For example, if you help out a friend or acquaintance for just one day and receive a small token payment, you usually don’t need special permission for activities outside your status.
However, if this happens repeatedly or the payments become more substantial, immigration authorities may view it as regular employment.
In that case, you would need to obtain permission for activities outside your status.
To stay on the safe side, it’s best either to apply for that permission when necessary, or, if you don’t have it, politely explain the situation and decline the work.
Since the final judgment is made by immigration authorities, relying on your own assumptions can be risky. Checking in advance will give you peace of mind.
◆Prohibited Activities Despite Having Permission
For those with a ‘Student’ or ‘Dependent’ residence status, permission for activities outside your status is generally limited to 28 hours per week.
This rule exists because such work is meant only to provide supplementary income for living expenses.
Before starting a part-time job, it’s best to have your employer confirm these conditions so you can work with peace of mind.
If you work beyond the permitted hours, it will be considered a violation of your residence status and could lead to unexpected problems.
In addition, you are not allowed to work at places such as snack bars, cabarets, regular bars, game centers, or establishments related to the sex industry. This restriction applies not only to customer-facing roles but also to back-office tasks like accounting or cleaning.
To continue your activities safely, make sure to follow the rules, and if you are unsure about anything, check in advance to avoid trouble.
★Ask a Legal Expert Now!
The system of permission for activities outside your residence status allows limited work opportunities while keeping within visa rules.
Used properly, it helps you work with peace of mind.
Since there are limits on hours and job categories, it’s important to review them before applying. If you want to start a part‑time job, consulting an administrative scrivener will provide guidance and support tailored to your case.